A children’s choir from Africa visited the Valley as part of a charitable tour of the UK.

The Bethany Children’s Choir made the long journey from Tanzania to raise awareness of the Bethany project, which hopes to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness through education.

Sixteen members of the choir visited Haslingden Primary School. The choir did a 15-minute performance on the playground for the children and parents to watch.

Natalie McMahon, extended services manager at the primary, said: “They highlighted the different perspectives and values they have such as not having birthday or Christmas presents, having no electricity or water taps and no showers or proper toilets.

The Bethany Children's Choir performing outside Haslingden Primary School as parents and children arrive in the morning

“The teacher spoke about the work of the Bethany project and that they care for orphans and one another.

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Bethany choir to our school and to be able to support the work that they do. We hope they will be able to return to see us again in the near future.”

The primary school raised money for the charity through parent donations on the day.